Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The structure of hair naturally retains biomarkers from drugs and alcohol within its fibers over time. When collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair sampling is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches long and comprising roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen accurately. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be sourced. Note that 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This process includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive result in screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any sample initially testing positive in screening needs further confirmation testing.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening step, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample for further preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the more complex methodologies.
Positive screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples identified as presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed 'hair follicle tests', the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dexter, TX
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window offers a clearer, long-term view of substance usage, making it difficult to disguise.
Extended Detection Window in Dexter, TX
Hair follicle testing's ability to detect drug use up to 90 days provides employers with a comprehensive history of an individual’s substance usage, delivering insights beyond short-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dexter, TX
Hair follicle tests are designed to significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. The integrity of the collected sample remains uncompromised, producing trustworthy results that are beyond question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dexter, TX
Accessing testing services is made simple with our widespread network of testing centers. This nationwide reach, including local options in Dexter, TX, ensures fast and straightforward testing access.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dexter, TX
Our process for ordering and taking tests is both simple and confidential. Individuals can rest assured about their privacy while enjoying the ease and efficiency of obtaining results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dexter, TX
We offer competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times that deliver exceptional value. Our services cater to companies of varying sizes, ensuring both affordability and rapid results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dexter, TX
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results. Their high sensitivity allows for accurate detection of substance use, ensuring that testing is both timely and dependable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dexter, TX
Using hair follicle testing ensures employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This, in turn, lowers the legal risks associated with non-compliance and promotes a safer working environment.
